Saudi oil buyers and traders told Reuters on Sunday that Yanbu now holds stocks to keep exports flowing for just five to seven days after the East-West pipeline shut, and that a continued outage threatens a loss of up to about 4% of global supply.
For the past six months the Petroline route had rerouted around 4 million barrels per day to the Red Sea, Reuters reported. Three industry sources familiar with Saudi exports put the Yanbu clock at five to seven days. Egypt-port stocks could cover customers for several days as well, but stocks are not full, a fourth source said.
Repair estimates remain unofficial and split: one source said damage could take five to six weeks; another said pumping could resume sooner, possibly partially while repairs continue. Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry and government media office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Drone attacks forced the East-West shut on Friday. This Sunday update centers on the export stock clock.
Sources: Reuters London Sept 13 (buyers/traders; Yanbu 5-7 days; up to about 4% global supply at risk; ~4 mb/d Petroline reroute; split repair 5-6 weeks vs sooner/partial; ministry/GMO no comment; Egypt-port stock color; Friday drone shut backdrop); Global Banking & Finance Review Sept 13 (Reuters syndication).
